According to an October 18 news release from the American Institute of Physics, the use of serpentine plasma actuators may reduce noise and increase the aerodynamic efficiencies of future aircraft and automobiles. An article entitled, “On Using Serpentine Geometry Plasma Actuators for Flow Control,” appears in the latest issue of the Journal of Applied Physics and describes the mechanisms behind this fascinating technology.

Recognized as the fourth state of matter, plasmas are a blob of charged particles in an electric field that are typically found in stars and lightning. Using high voltage equipment, tiny plasmas can be used to manipulate fluid flows.